Uganda’s long-time leader, President Yoweri Museveni, has officially been declared the winner of the 2026 presidential election, extending his rule to over 40 years.
The Electoral Commission, chaired by Simon Byabakama, confirmed that Museveni received more than 7.9 million votes, exceeding the 50% threshold required to win. Museveni, 81, has been in power since 1986 and outpaced all other candidates in this tightly contested election.
“Having obtained the highest number of votes, and with votes cast in his favor exceeding 50% of the total valid votes, Candidate Yoweri Museveni is hereby declared the winner of the election,” Byabakama said.
About 11.4 million Ugandans participated in Thursday’s vote, representing a turnout of roughly 52.5% of registered voters. The election period was marked by an internet blackout and restrictions on civil society groups, raising concerns about transparency among some local and international observers.
